College

What are the normal ROM (Range of Motion) limits for thoracic and lumbar spine extension?

A. Thoracic: 20-45 degrees, Lumbar: 20-35 degrees
B. Thoracic: 30-50 degrees, Lumbar: 25-40 degrees
C. Thoracic: 15-30 degrees, Lumbar: 15-25 degrees
D. Thoracic: 25-40 degrees, Lumbar: 20-30 degrees

Answer :

Final answer:

The normal ROM for thoracic spine extension is 20-45 degrees, and for lumbar spine extension, it is 20-35 degrees. Option a) is correct. Additionally, the thoracic region has the greatest range of motion for rotation.

Explanation:

You asked about the normal range of motion (ROM) limits for thoracic and lumbar spine extension. The normal ROM for thoracic spine extension is approximately 20-45 degrees, while for lumbar spine extension it is approximately 20-35 degrees. Therefore, the correct answer to your question is option a) Thoracic: 20-45 degrees, Lumbar: 20-35 degrees.

Regarding rotation, the region of the vertebral column that has the greatest range of motion for rotation is the thoracic region. Despite the thoracic spine's limited flexion and extension due to the attached thoracic cage and overlapping spinous processes, the orientation of the articular processes in the thoracic region allows for significant rotation compared to the cervical and lumbar regions.